Infinite Jest Lesson Plan

In these opening chapters, Wallace lays the thematic foundation that will support the rest of Infinite Jest. One of these is the idea that passive entertainment can be just as harmful as drugs, alcohol, or excessive gluttony. How is this idea expressed throughout today's reading?

The notion that passive engagement can be detrimental may not be surprising to contemporary audiences, but back in the mid-90s, Wallace's writing seems oddly prescient to what the endless content stream of the 21st century would become. He emphasizes the use of videotape cartridges as a way for many of his characters to facilitate, maintain, or otherwise prolong stasis, beyond the obvious...